The Rules

I've realized one of the greatest outlets I have is writing. And, let's be honest, this week has been one of the longest, hardest weeks of my life. Between crying at home, in my drive-way, the school parking lot and the ladies room (at school) I think I have cried more over my husband being away than I have over any break-up EVER!

However, I've realized something about this.... I have been blessed to love a man so much that going one week without him is the hardest thing I could do. I have the great honor to be the wife to a man brave enough to go after his dreams, to do the hard things and do them all with a smile. I can't believe how lucky I am to serve my country and have the love of an incredible man. Nothing compares to that. I truly am a very blessed girl.

I have to say though... being so blessed can be a burden. Thankfully, it's a burden well worth bearing.

So, as I have sat at home, attempting to do my incredibly boring homework (I don't mind reading/writing/analyzing interesting homework! BUT boring homework? Ugh.) I have come to realize that though this royally bites I have been given a gift! Think about it this way: I have the opportunity to really work on the things I need to be the best me so that when my sweet husband sees me again I am better and braver than ever before! I can really focus on working out, excelling at school and working through my personal issues without having to involve anyone else. I have been given some growing space and dagnabit! I am going to use it! (Granted... I would rather have my husband here and just grow with him. But it is a pretty cool concept.)

So, Here are the ground rules:

1. For every complaint there must be a "grateful". So, if I moan and gripe and complain (which really is needed for anyone. We all need to vent) I must follow that time with the same amount of gratitude. (This also goes for any negative comments about myself and others)
2. GO TO BED AT A DECENT HOUR!!!!!! - This helps sanity. Going to bed early makes everything else bearable. Try it. Getting enough sleep suddenly gives the world this wonderful rosy-tint.
3. Eat - regularly, healthy food. This also makes the world much more bearable.
4. EXERCISE - "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't kill their husbands." While my husband isn't around to kill, the concept is still the same. Exercise just makes me happy. Not to mention I really want this hot bod for when my hubby sees me again. (And long, beautiful hair.... I am seriously thinking extensions. Anyone have any experience in that field that could give me some pointers?)
5. Service. It is really hard to be all lonely/sad/grumpy when serving others. It doesn't matter who it is or how small the deed, I am going to try to serve someone every single day. 
6. Love me. Everything listed above is really all about loving and taking care of myself. After all, I am soooooooooo  worth it!
7. Have faith. Lots and lots and lots of faith. Cause, in the end, "The future is as bright as my faith." And I want a future that just really shines. 

There you go. The rules! 

So now, when I am really missing Stephen, having to see a whole bunch of couples enjoying each other's company, or just feeling sorry for myself I know exactly what I need to do. 

Now - I need to go read a 30 page article on barbed-wire and it's impact on Western Economics. (Jealous? I knew you would be. Don't worry, I can always forward it to you so you don't feel left out)

P.S. Yes, I re-did my blog again! Why? Just cause.... it wasn't really ME! So.... I hope you like it!